CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 



VI. THE PARSNEP. 



THE parsnep is a biennial plant, with a fusiform root like 

 the carrot, which it resembles in its uses and the manner of 

 its cultivation. It is a native of Asia and of many parts of 

 Europe. It has long been cultivated in gardens as a culinary 

 vegetable, but is only of kte, and as yet of very limited intro- 

 duction as a field plant The parsnep produces a larger crop 

 than the carrot, averaging twenty-four tons to the acre in Eng- 

 land. 



The best soil is a deep rich sandy loam, or a soil which is 

 sufficiently deep and mellow to enable the root to force its way 

 downwards with ease, as it has a tendency to strike deeply 

 into the earth. It may be cultivated in drills, precisely like 

 the turnip and potato. Indeed this seems to be the best mode 

 of raising it because an increased deepness, eminently fa- 

 vourable to the habits of the plant, will be given to the soil. 



The intervals need be no wider than will admit the culti- 

 vator for the after culture of the crop; and the plants in the 

 rows should stand from eight to ten inches from each other. 

 All the after processes of tillage may be the same as for the 

 carrot, as well as the soil, preparation and manure. The plant 

 is ready for use when the leaves begin to decay. It may be 

 taken up and stored like the carrot. The quantity of seed for 

 sowing in drills or rows, is from three to five pounds per acre; 

 broadcast, eight pounds. 



Its uses for domestic purposes are well known. All animals 

 are fond of it. To milch cows it is eminently favourable, 

 giving a flavour and richness to their milk, which no other 

 winter vegetables but the carrot and sugar-beet can give. 

 Horses are fond of it, and thrive as well upon it as on the carrot. 

 Mr. LOUDON says, that thirty perches where the crop is good, 

 will.be sufficient to fatten a perfectly lean ox of three or four 

 years old, in the course of three months. Hogs are excessively 

 fond of it; and, when boiled, poultry may be fed upon it to 

 advantage. 



Parsnep leaves may be mown off before taking up the roots 

 and given to cows, oxen or horses, by which they are greedily 

 eaten. To save seed, proceed as with the carrot. The parsnep 

 is a hardy plant, and subject but to few diseases or accidents. 



